We predict in Si/Ge superlattices a dramatic high-temperature suppression of the perpendicular thermal transport. Total internal reflection confines the superlattice modes and significantly reduces the average group velocity at nonzero in-plane momenta. These consequences of the acoustic mismatch cause at high temperatures an order-of-magnitude reduction in the ratio of superlattice thermal conductivity to phonon relaxation time.

• Received 9 July 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.56.10754